Gearig, Christian L. (1874-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Mar 24 p. 5

Birth date: 1874 Sep 9

text of obituary:

Retired Minister Dies in Ohio

Archbold, Ohio. — Christian L. Gearig, 85, retired minister of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, died March 12 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Vesta Koehn near Pettisville. He had been in failing health for several years.

Besides his ministerial work, Min. Koehn also farmed for many years. He was a lifetime resident of the Pettisville community.

Surviving in addition to Mrs. Koehn are three other daughters, a son, Lloyd Gearig of Louisville, Ga., 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held March 17 at the Central Mennonite church, with Rev. Swartley and Rev. Harry D. Wenger of Hesston, Kan. officiating.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Apr 7 p. 8

text of obituary:

CHRISTIAN L. GEARIG

Christian L., son of Christian and Mary Shantz Gearig, was born Sept. 9, 1874 near Pettisville, Fulton Co., Ohio. He reached the age of 85 years, six months, and three days. On the evening of March 12, 1960 he passed away at the home of his daughter Vesta, Mr. and Mrs. Simon Koehn, where he had made his home for the past five years. Eighty years of his life was spent on the old Gearig homestead where he was born.

On Jan. 21, 1897 he was united in marriage to Eliza Roth. They walked life's pathway together for 56 years. To this union were born six children, one son and five daughters. He leaves to mourn his departure Elma and C. E. Friesen of Archbold. Vesta and Simon Koehn of Wauseon, Lloyd and Bertha Gearig of Louisville, Georgia, Dorothy and Edward Schmeider, [sic Schneider], Jr. of Bartow, Georgia, and Ruth and Dayton Hibner of Louisville, Georgia; 20, grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, an aged uncle, Sam Shantz, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving companion a little over seven years ago; one daughter, Bertha; one son-in-law, five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, two sisters and four brothers. He was the youngest of the family and the last one to answer the heavenly summons.

In 1911 he with his companion felt the need of a Savior and were converted, united with the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on Nov. 19, 1911. In October 1918 he was called and ordained to the ministry, remaining faithful to God and the church to the end.

He was a kind and loving father. His pleasant and cheerful disposition won him many friends. His health failed the last few months and he was a patient in the Wauseon hospital for one month, returning home on Jan. 28. He often desired to be relieved of his suffering, having the full assurance of peace with his Savior. He will be missed, but our loss is his eternal gain.

Funeral services were held at the Central Mennonite church, with Min. Paul Swartley and Min. Harry Wenger in charge. Burial was made at the Pettisville cemetery.